Last Thursday’s snowpocalypse gave New York State high school seniors more than just a snow day. Students also got a free pass with their Regents exams.

In response to canceled exam by inclement weather, the New York State Education Department announced on Thursday that seniors who are slated to graduate in January 2011 with passing course grades will be exempt from the requirement. Principals and superintendents will audit coursework and grading policies to establish student eligibility.

Education Commisioner David Steiner said the State Education Department will offer students the chance to make up the exams later this year. “We hold a Regents Diploma as the goal for all; however, this is the fairest course of action for the seniors affected this week,” he said. “I urge all affected students to come back in June to earn the scores they need for a Regents diploma.”

The Office of State Assessment will issue a memo with additional information to the 1600 affecting public, non-public and charter schools on Friday. A final count of affected seniors will be issued shortly after.